Introducing Nearby Glasses: The App That Alerts You to Smart Glasses Nearby
One of the main concerns with the rise of “luxury surveillance” devices, such as smart glasses equipped with hidden cameras, is the difficulty in distinguishing them from regular eyewear. This poses a risk of being recorded without your knowledge.
However, a new solution has emerged in the form of an Android app called Nearby Glasses. This app is designed to detect and notify users when someone in close proximity is wearing smart glasses or other always-recording technology.
Nearby Glasses operates by continuously scanning for Bluetooth signals emitted by wearable devices from companies like Meta, Oakley, and Snap. This comes at a time when there is a growing resistance towards devices that constantly record or listen without consent.
Yves Jeanrenaud, the creator of Nearby Glasses, was inspired to develop the app after reading about the misuse of wearable surveillance devices, such as Meta’s Ray-Bans being used in immigration raids and to harass individuals. Jeanrenaud described smart glasses as an “intolerable intrusion” and a “horrible piece of tech.”
The app functions by detecting unique Bluetooth signals assigned to specific manufacturers. When a signal from a Meta or Snap device is identified, Nearby Glasses sends an alert to the user. Users can also input custom Bluetooth identifiers to broaden the range of detectable surveillance gadgets.
Image Credits: Yves Jeanrenaud
While the app may occasionally produce false alerts, such as mistaking a virtual reality headset for smart glasses, it generally performs as intended. During testing, no smart glasses wearers were detected, but the addition of a specific Bluetooth identifier instantly triggered alerts for nearby Apple devices.
Yves Jeanrenaud continues to enhance Nearby Glasses and considers developing an iPhone version based on demand and availability. He views the app as a technical response to a social issue exacerbated by technology, hoping to provide some form of assistance.
Representatives from Meta and Snap have not commented on Nearby Glasses. As the app evolves, it stands as a tool for individuals seeking to protect their privacy in an era of pervasive surveillance technology.
